Purana Qila, or the Old Fort, is one of the oldest forts in Delhi, India. It stands on the banks of the Yamuna river, overlooking the modern cityscape. Purana Qila has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires, from the Pandavas of Mahabharata to the Mughals and the British. It has also been the site of many legends, such as Humayun’s death, Sher Shah Suri’s victory, and the Delhi Zoo massacre. Purana Qila is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history, architecture, and culture of Delhi.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Purana Qila, covering its history, architecture, attractions, entry fee, timings, and how to reach it. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you will find something new and exciting to discover at Purana Qila.
History
Purana Qila has a long and fascinating history that spans over three millennia. According to some historians, Purana Qila was built on the site of Indraprastha, the ancient capital of the Pandavas in Mahabharata. The fort was also mentioned by the Greek traveler Megasthenes in the 4th century BCE as one of the seven cities of Delhi.
The current structure of Purana Qila was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1533 CE. He named it Dinpanah, meaning the refuge of faith. However, he lost it to Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler who defeated him in 1540 CE. Sher Shah Suri renamed it Shergarh and added several new buildings and features to the fort.
Purana Qila changed hands several times between the Mughals and their rivals until it came under the control of the British in 1803 CE. The British used it as a military camp and a prison during the First War of Independence in 1857 CE. They also demolished some parts of the fort and built new structures on its premises.
After India’s independence in 1947 CE, Purana Qila was declared a national monument and opened to the public. It also witnessed a tragic event in 1976 CE when a man-eating tiger escaped from the Delhi Zoo and killed four people inside the fort before being shot dead.
Architecture
Purana Qila is an impressive example of medieval Indian architecture, combining elements of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian styles. The fort covers an area of about 1.5 km² and is surrounded by a massive wall that is 18 meters high and 2.4 km long. The wall has three gates: the Bara Darwaza (Big Gate), the Humayun Darwaza (Humayun’s Gate), and the Talaqi Darwaza (Forbidden Gate). The Bara Darwaza is the main entrance to the fort and faces west. It has a semi-circular arch and a domed pavilion on top. The Humayun Darwaza faces south and leads to Humayun’s tomb. The Talaqi Darwaza faces north and is believed to be haunted by ghosts.
Inside the fort, there are several buildings and structures that showcase the artistic and engineering skills of their builders. Some of the notable ones are:
Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque: This is a five-arched mosque built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541 CE. It has a large prayer hall with a central dome and four smaller domes at the corners. The mosque is decorated with calligraphy, floral motifs, and glazed tiles.
Sher Mandal: This is an octagonal tower built by Humayun as an observatory and library. It has two stories and eight chambers with arched windows. It was here that Humayun fell from the stairs and died in 1556 CE.
Hammam: This is a bathhouse built by Sher Shah Suri for his personal use. It has three chambers with domed roofs and niches for lamps. The chambers are connected by water channels that supply hot and cold water.
Archaeological Museum: This is a museum that displays various artifacts excavated from Purana Qila and its surroundings. It has exhibits dating from prehistoric times to medieval times, such as pottery, coins, sculptures, inscriptions, weapons, and paintings.
Attractions
Purana Qila is not only a historical monument but also a cultural and recreational hub. There are many things to do and see at Purana Qila, such as:
Boating:
You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake adjacent to the fort. The lake offers a scenic view of the fort and its surroundings. You can choose from paddle boats, row boats, or motor boats.
Light and Sound Show:
You can watch a spectacular light and sound show that narrates the history and legends of Purana Qila. The show is held every evening in Hindi and English languages. The show uses colorful lights, lasers, and sound effects to create a mesmerizing experience.
Museum:
You can visit the archaeological museum that showcases the rich heritage of Purana Qila and Delhi. The museum has a collection of over 5,000 artifacts that span over 3,000 years of history. You can learn about the various dynasties and cultures that ruled and influenced Delhi over the centuries.
Nearby Places to Visit
You can also explore the nearby places of interest that are within walking distance from Purana Qila. Some of these are:
Humayun’s Tomb:
This is the mausoleum of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. It has a symmetrical design, a large dome, and a beautiful garden.
Delhi Zoo:
This is one of the largest zoos in India, with over 1,300 animals of 130 species. It is spread over 176 acres and has various sections such as reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians. It also has a butterfly park, a nocturnal house, and an aquarium.
India Gate:
This is a war memorial dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and other wars. It is a 42-meter high arch with the names of over 70,000 soldiers inscribed on it. It also has an eternal flame called Amar Jawan Jyoti that burns in honor of the martyrs.
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Entry Fee and Timings
Purana Qila is open to visitors from sunrise to sunset every day except on Mondays. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 20 per person and for foreign nationals is Rs. 200 per person. The entry fee for the museum is Rs. 5 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners.
The entry fee for the light and sound show is Rs. 80 per person for adults and Rs. 40 per person for children for Indians and Rs. 200 per person for adults and Rs. 100 per person for children for foreigners. The entry fee for boating is Rs. 50 per person for paddle boats, Rs. 100 per person for row boats, and Rs. 200 per person for motor boats.
The best time to visit Purana Qila is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The summer months from April to June are very hot and humid, while the monsoon months from July to September are rainy and prone to flooding.
How to Reach
Purana Qila is located in Mathura Road, near Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. It is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is about 20 km away from Purana Qila. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the fort.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is New Delhi Railway Station, which is about 6 km away from Purana Qila. You can take a taxi or a metro from the station to reach the fort.
By Road:
Purana Qila is well-connected by road with other parts of Delhi and neighboring states. You can take a taxi, an auto-rickshaw, or a bus from any point in the city to reach the fort.
By Metro:
The nearest metro station is Pragati Maidan Metro Station, which is about 2 km away from Purana Qila. You can take a walk or an auto-rickshaw from the station to reach the fort.
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Purana Qila is one of the most remarkable historical monuments in Delhi that offers a glimpse into the past glory and present beauty of the city. It has something for everyone, whether you are a history buff, an architecture lover, or an adventure seeker. Purana Qila is a place where you can learn, explore, and enjoy at the same time.
If you are planning to visit Purana Qila soon, make sure you book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and hassle-free entry.
